Songkhla Old Town

Songkhla Old Town is a historic waterfront district in Bo Yang Sub-district, Mueang Songkhla, Songkhla Province. Located on the eastern shore of Songkhla Lake near the Gulf of Thailand, it is notable for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouses, Chinese shrines and colonial-era buildings along Nakhon Nok, Nakhon Nai and Nang Ngam Roads. The area reflects its 19th-century role as a major southern trading port.

Visitors can expect to walk through three parallel historic streets lined with colorful two-storey Sino-Portuguese shophouses, renovated heritage buildings, street art murals, small museums, shrines, cafes, galleries and boutique shops. The district is compact and walkable, with a waterfront along Songkhla Lake, open streets, and a mix of residential, commercial and cultural spaces. Exploration is primarily on foot with opportunities for photography and sightseeing of architecture and local lifestyle.

Songkhla Old Town developed as an important maritime trading port in southern Thailand during the 19th century, particularly under King Rama III. Chinese merchants settled along the lakefront, building shophouses and warehouses that combined Chinese and European architectural styles. The district served as the commercial and administrative center of Songkhla and retains buildings from the late 1800s to early 1900s reflecting its trading heritage.

The district reflects the multicultural heritage of Songkhla with Thai, Chinese and Malay influences, including Peranakan (Baba-Nyonya) culture, Chinese shrines, traditional shophouses and local crafts. It remains a living community where traditional festivals, local cuisine and heritage conservation are prominent, and is recognized as a cultural heritage conservation area.